First adopted in Australia in 1988, polymer banknotes have now become increasingly popular due to their improved security against counterfeiting and their enhanced durability. Many countries have circulating plastic bills and seven countries in the world have fully converted from paper bills to polymer banknotes. Polymer banknotes are made from bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP): a polymer made from repeating units of propylene, capable of being stretched in two directions. Polypropylene is resistant to wear and tear and its surface allows for excellent printing, making it an ideal candidate for the production of banknotes. Though more expensive to produce, plastic bills last at least twice as long as opposed to their paper counterparts and can be recycled at the end of their distribution cycle.
